Irvington Theater has welcomed a host of impressive industry talent since reopening its doors last fall, and the cultural heart of the Rivertowns continues in that vein with filmmaker Paul Schrader. On Friday, August 15, the acclaimed writer/director will discuss his work and career (and answer audience questions) after a screening of his 2017 film, First Reformed.
Academy Award nominee Paul Schrader is one of the most influential American screenwriters and directors of the last half century. His films – which include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Affliction, and American Gigolo – often explore themes of alienation, redemption, and the dark side of humanity.
First Reformed stars Ethan Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller, “a solitary, middle-aged parish pastor at a small Dutch Reform church in upstate New York on the cusp of celebrating its 250th anniversary. Once a stop on the Underground Railroad, the church is now a tourist attraction catering to a dwindling congregation, eclipsed by its nearby parent church, Abundant Life, with its state-of-the-art facilities and 5,000-strong flock. When a pregnant parishioner (Amanda Seyfried) asks Reverend Toller to counsel her husband, a radical environmentalist, the clergyman finds himself plunged into his own tormented past, and equally despairing future, until he finds redemption in an act of grandiose violence” (A24).
“We were blown away when our friend, Irvington resident and filmmaker Adeel Ahmed (Burn Country, American Paradise), told us that his friend and mentor, Paul Schrader, would be interested in visiting Irvington Theater,” said Shana Liebman, Irvington Theater Commission Co-Chair. “We still can’t believe our good fortune. Schrader is a seminal artist and thinker who made some of America’s most important and beloved films.”
All tickets are $23 (plus fees) and on sale now at https://www.irvingtontheater.com/events/firstreformed.
